Theo notices a circled date on his calendar and realizes he has now lived on the third floor of Ponder House for a full year. Wanting to mark the milestone, Theo dresses neatly, smiles at his reflection despite his age, and sets out on an “anniversary walk.”

On the Promenade, Theo stops to thank familiar Golden faces for what the past year has meant to him, greeting people like Simone the cellist, Shep the barista, Derrick the prosecutor, Katherine the journalist, and the Verbivore regulars. He also runs into Tony, the neighbor who first told him about Ponder House, and Theo explicitly credits Tony’s friendship with helping make the year possible, even as Tony doubts his own business will stay open much longer.

At the Chalice, Theo reunites with Minnette for the first time since returning from the holidays. Minnette admits she worried Theo might not come back after her father’s behavior at Thanksgiving, but Theo insists the evening was “wonderful” and says he still believes even difficult people can change. When Theo asks about Asher, Minnette confirms Asher is at his studio in the Boughery and suggests he could use company, after having just delivered his tax return.

Theo continues south toward the Boughery, enjoying the springtime azalea blossoms and reflecting on their hidden toxicity and the old custom of using azaleas as a death threat. He remembers how furious he once felt after Cleave Torber destroyed Mia’s portrait, but recognizes his anger has thinned into pity. Theo’s thoughts broaden into a meditation on “poisonous beauty,” and he imagines Basil turning the idea into a song.